It’s officially fall, the season when everyone suddenly takes special notice of the leaves, which stun with gorgeous colors before transforming into a nuisance as they drop. It’s also time for your biannual trip to the roof to ensure that your building’s first line of defense is aging well and prepared for harsh winter weather.

Autumn’s rooftop trek is one of the most important chores you’ll undertake for your roof all year––a vital wellness exam for one of your property’s biggest investments.

Why fall?

Experts recommend both spring and fall inspections so that your roof receives consistent, timely attention. As summer’s sometimes dangerous heat and relentless sun begin to fade, a climb to the roof becomes much more productive. Take advantage of these short months before snow and ice begin to blanket much of the country.

I’m on the roof. Now what?

When you head to your roof, you should plan to both search for trouble spots and tackle some hands-on care.

Look for:

• Bubbles, cracks, missing patches, splits, and other wear and tear
• Any deformities or abnormalities in shingles or other layers of the roof’s membrane
• Weak spots in and the overall health of seals around vents, chimneys, skylights, fans, vents, and other openings in the roof

Roll up your sleeves to:

• Clean your gutters and remove all debris that could hamper functionality, which could lead to water build-up that increases the threat of roof collapses
• Sweep all debris––leaves, sticks, dirt, pebbles––from the rooftop itself

If all looks well and you handle the cleaning completely, check this chore off of your list. If you notice any areas that seem potentially problematic, contact a professional roofing contractor––even if the concerns seem minor.

Can I maintain my roof myself?

Yes––and no. Some of the fall and spring maintenance is tedious but simple: cleaning gutters isn’t much fun, but it is a feasible undertaking, as long as you follow important safety guidelines.

Other aspects of upkeep benefit from experienced eyes. Veteran roofers might spot impending trouble that you’d miss, which will save you money and headaches in the long run. Check out our guidelines to choosing a roofing contractor for tips on who to hire, and as always, don’t hesitate to contact us for the names of trusted roofers all over the country.

It’s finally fall: time for football, long walks, and a trip to the roof.

Photo by Pamela Webb, via Snapwire with Creative Commons License